|
Home Energy Saving Tips
Other
 Reduce Phantom Load
Many appliances continue to draw power when they are switched off. These "phantom" loads occur in most appliances that use electricity, such as VCRs, televisions, stereos, computers, and kitchen appliances. In the average home, 75% of electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while the products are turned off. The recommended method for finding phantom loads is turning off all lights at night and looking for any LEDs or other glows in the house. Any device that requires resetting after a blackout or power surge is a cause of phantom load.
More Tips:
- Install energy-saving showerheads in your home. You'll reduce hot water use and cut water costs by 10% to 16% without affecting comfort.
- Repair all leaky faucets. One drop per second can waste as much as 10 gallons of water in a week.
- Prevent heat loss and reduce your waterbed's electric use up to 20% by covering it with bedspreads or quilts as soon as you get up. A layer of cardboard between the bed and the frame or an insulation kit designed for waterbeds will also insulate your waterbed against further heat loss. Consider replacing the water bed with a standard mattress to save even more in energy costs.
Efficiency Maine Energy Facts
- During 2003 – 2005, the Efficiency Maine Program saved home owners, schools, and businesses more than 121 million kilowatt hours (kWh) with a lifetime economic benefit to the state of $86.6 million.
- In 2006, Efficiency Maine saved more than 74 million kWh, which helped avert the production of more than 320,000 tons of carbon dioxide, a major pollutant contributing to global warming. These savings are equivalent to the annual electricity use of nearly 11,000 homes in Maine and the carbon pollution reduction of taking 7,624 cars off the road.
Efficiency Maine is a statewide effort to promote the more efficient use of electricity, help Maine residents and businesses reduce electricity costs and improve Maine’s environment. It was created in 2002 by the Maine Legislature with the passing of “An Act to Strengthen Energy Conservation.” For more information on the annual report or energy efficiency, visit the PUC’s Efficiency Maine website at efficiencymaine.com or call 1-866-ESMAINE.
Please note that the savings referenced are for a typical household. In addition, the savings percentages apply only to the category of energy use. For example, using fluorescent lamps saves 30 to 38 percent of your lighting bill, not your total electric bill. The figures cannot be added to find your total savings.
|
Public
Utilities Commission